Resource considers issues around taking the Church to school

The latest edition of the Encounters on the Edge series of booklets looks at aspects of school-based fresh expressions of church ...

The latest edition of the Encounters on the Edge series of booklets from Church Army’s resource unit looks at aspects of school-based fresh expressions of church.

Author George Lings, Director of Church Army’s research unit, The Sheffield Centre, writes: “Though much good mission work occurs in schools, fully-fledged school-based church is less common than we thought.”

This booklet tells the story of Thirst – a school-based fresh expression of church in Romsey Town, Cambridge. Thirst principally serves the parents and staff of the local primary school and has made a tangible difference to school life.

Thirst's founder, Sue Butler, was surprised to discover that even though theirs is a Church of England school, there is still too large a social and cultural gap for parents to cross in joining traditional forms of church.

Church of England Primary Schools might be described as an “open goal” as they tend to be receptive mission contexts for pioneering fresh expressions of church. However, finding the pioneering leaders with the necessary links, resources and skills to develop these opportunities will be difficult.

This booklet also raises the important question of how the wider Church ensures there is good leadership succession when the initial pioneer moves on.

Encounters on the Edge 55, Thirst: Go to a place neither of you have been before, is now available, price £4 from The Sheffield Centre on 0114 272 7451 or visit www.encountersontheedge.org.uk

Get more inspiring reading

Our print magazine for INSPIRE is currently on hold while we explore new funding options for a relaunch later this year. If you'd like to be kept up to date with developments, ready to order the new title once it's available, email editor@inspiremagazine.org.uk